Paying for a Destination Wedding

Paying for a Destination Wedding

Q: My fiance and I are getting married in Jamaica. Are we expected to help any members of our bridal party pay for their airfare? We're worried that if we do this for only a couple of attendants but not for all of them, they might compare notes and feelings will be hurt.

A: "Destination weddings," which are becoming more popular, usually dictate a smaller bridal party (and guest list) for this very reason. Such affairs can be hard on the pocketbook. But subsidies aren't required: If someone you've asked to be in the wedding can't afford the trip, he or she can always decline for that reason. Then it's your call whether you want to offer some financial assistance. If you do end up paying for an attendant or two, explain that you're relying on their discretion to keep mum. I'm sure they'll understand this is a private matter and restrain themselves from comparing notes.